Micaelense Coliseum

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Coliseu Micaelense - Soc. Inv. Imob., SA

Rogério Cavaca - Arquitectos, Lda

3360,00 m 2

Detalhes

Aiming at a wide number of possible uses for the Coliseum without sacrificing the available space, the technical solutions were only possible through AFACONSULT intervention in the upstage part of the stage and the audience parterre.

Searching for the possible harmony between the new and old it was possible to reach a balance through measures which mirror the type and degree of the intervention.

At the parterre we kept the same tilt ensuring a reasonable viewing angle for theater, opera, concerts and conferences, etc. for a circus usage we kept the stage geometry using an hydraulic “wafer” which descends to define the circus center stage. Around it we installed scenery platforms as the existing ones. This solution reduced work in half in order of adapting it to circus shows, as well as allowed a good floor quality on top of the “wafer”.

The balcony is an area with great viewing angles which will have enhanced public areas and the chairs are identical to the ones in parterre. The area in front of the projection booth, once this was deactivated accommodates the sound and light control booth with two cabins for simultaneous translation. The VIP boxes were kept as they were.

At the gallery level is anticipated the installation of three rows of chairs or stools in o.4 m platforms.

At the entrance foyer we have placed the box-office and cloakroom, together with a mini-bar. It is anticipated to rebuild the current Discotheque/Bar as an autonomous Theater-café that can also operate as a restaurant. The southwest wing is for dressing rooms with capacity for 120 people, office of the director/stage manager, bar and reception. It is accessible through hoist and lift up to the web. At level 1 we shall have a laundry and scenery room linked to the outside. On the north side at level 0 there will a scenery storage area, etc. and during circus shows it can be used as a preparation room. It is envisaged an access to the upper levels destined to Ballroom Dance (rehearsals) and the Admin Services on level 3.

The upstage part of the stage had a specific scenic project with the orchestra pit having capacity for 70 musicians and the use of an hydraulic platform (or electromechanical) capable of enlarging the proscenium, enlarging the room to the under stage, basement and vice versa. The under stage basement is allocated for scenery storage, chairs, platforms, etc.

Structurally the building intervention has different areas, from recovering existing structures to build brand new ones.